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91���� (91����) values community, belonging, justice, service, and peacemaking. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is committed to helping our campus become more inclusive, equitable, and welcoming for all.

The Inclusive Excellence Grant Program supports ideas and projects that promote belonging, equity, and justice, including work related to racial and social justice, across the 91���� community.

For the 2026–2027 cycle, projects are encouraged to engage the University Theme, Power and Equity, exploring how power and identity shape our experiences, relationships, and institutions.

You don’t have to tackle large or complex issues. Small, thoughtful actions can lead to meaningful change. This grant encourages students, staff, and faculty to collaborate in an environment that supports learning, growth, and open dialogue, and to imagine ways we can build community together.

Proposals are accepted during the fall semester, and funded projects may be completed at any point during the academic year.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome proposals from 91���� students, staff, and faculty for projects that:

• Bring people together across diverse cultural, academic, and campus roles
• Foster collaboration between departments, programs, or identity groups
• Promote belonging, equity, and meaningful engagement across 91����’s Harrisonburg, Lancaster, or Washington, D.C. locations
• Encourage learning and dialogue around topics such as racism, LGBTQIA+ justice, disability equity, and broader inclusion issues
• Have broad impact, benefiting the wider 91���� community, not just a single group
• Engage the University Theme: Power and Equity, including how power operates within systems, relationships, and everyday experiences

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DEI Priorities

Your project should connect with at least one of the following:

• Belonging and Community
  Creating a campus where all individuals feel valued, included, and connected
• Inclusive Learning and Experiences
  Expanding academic and co-curricular opportunities that reflect diverse perspectives
• Education and Dialogue
  Building skills, awareness, and opportunities for learning across differences
• Institutional Change
  Identifying and addressing barriers within systems, policies, or practices

For a more detailed explanation of these priorities, please refer to [].

• Projects are eligible for funding of up to $1,200, depending on the number of proposals received and available funds.

  Proposals that demonstrate expanded impact, depth of engagement, or strong alignment with grant priorities, including thoughtful engagement with the University Theme, Power and Equity, may be eligible for up to $2,000 in funding.

  We’re looking for creative, innovative, and meaningful initiatives that help 91���� better reflect and serve our diverse community.

  Examples of Funded Projects May Include:

  • Workshops or trainings on allyship, inclusive language, or religious and cultural inclusion
  • Art projects, such as murals, tapestries, or posters, that foster belonging
  • Inclusive pedagogy initiatives or curriculum development
  • Projects advancing disability awareness and equity
  • Storytelling efforts, such as pop-up museums, photovoice, or archives that uplift underrepresented voices
  • Initiatives that explore how power and identity shape experiences, relationships, or systems
  • Efforts that examine or address institutional practices, policies, or barriers

• Projects where the primary purpose is purchasing equipment
  (Equipment may be included in limited amounts if it directly supports a larger project)
• Projects that have already received funding for the same purpose
  (Additional funding may be considered for a different aspect of the project, such as moving from event costs to a speaker stipend)

To apply for an Inclusive Excellence Grant, you will need to:

1. Form a Collaborative Team

These grants require at least two co-leaders (more are encouraged) who will actively plan and carry out the project.

Co-leaders must represent two or more different categories (see below).
This requirement applies to the project leaders, not the audience or participants.

Examples of Collaboration

✅ A graduate student working with a faculty member
✅ A staff member and an undergraduate student
✅ A project involving both the Harrisonburg and Lancaster campuses

❌ A student club working only with the department that oversees it

Difference Categories

Co-leaders should differ in at least two of the following:

• Role – faculty, staff, undergraduate student, graduate student
• Organizational Unit – department, academic school, or office
• Major or Minor (for students)
• Race or Ethnicity
• Gender or Gender Identity
• Campus Location – Harrisonburg, Lancaster, Washington, D.C.

2. Submit Your Application

• Complete the application form available on the DEI website under the Grants tab
• Submit a detailed budget using the provided template
• Email your completed budget to dei@emu.edu

📅 Refer to the deadline listed on the DEI Grants website

📧 Email dei@emu.edu with any questions

Proposals will be evaluated based on how well they:

• Promote personal growth, stronger relationships, and meaningful impact within the 91���� community
• Align with 91����’s DEI priorities and the University Theme: Power and Equity
• Demonstrate collaboration across different campus roles, identities, or experiences
• Present a clear, realistic plan that can be completed by the end of March
• Show creativity, thoughtful planning, and a clear vision
• Use funds responsibly and include a plan for sharing results through a final report and poster presentation

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Presentation Requirement

Funded projects are expected to share outcomes with the 91���� community:

• At the ACE Festival through a poster presentation
• OR, for faculty/staff-led projects, at a Tuesday lunch session in April

 

Budget Template

!We will not disburse grant funds directly to applicants!

How are the grant finances handled?

Grant funds are not disbursed directly to applicants. The DEI Office manages all financial transactions related to funded projects.

• Stipends: Processed through payroll by the DEI Office
• Guest Speakers: Submit a payment request form along with a W-9
• Reimbursements: Submit an expense report with receipts to the DEI Office. Reimbursement will be provided by check or cash, depending on the amount

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Can I use the grant to buy equipment?

Projects should not be centered on purchasing equipment.

However, equipment or general supplies may be included in limited amounts if they directly support the project. The primary focus of the grant should be on programming, engagement, and learning, not purchases.

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Can I apply for a grant for the same project more than once?

If the request is for the same purpose, additional funding will not be provided.

If you are applying for a different aspect of the same project (for example, requesting a speaker stipend after previously receiving funding for materials), you may submit a new application.

Recurring projects should be incorporated into a department’s ongoing budget.

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What does “collaboration across differences” mean?

Projects must include at least two co-leaders who bring different perspectives, roles, or experiences.

This collaboration should be among project leaders, not just participants or attendees.

Examples of collaboration:

✅ A graduate student working with a faculty member
✅ A staff member and an undergraduate student
✅ A project involving both the Harrisonburg and Lancaster campuses

❌ A student club working only with the department that oversees it

Co-leaders should differ in at least two of the following categories:

• Role – faculty, staff, undergraduate student, graduate student
• Organizational Unit – department, academic school, or office
• Major or Minor (for students)
• Race or Ethnicity
• Gender or Gender Identity
• Campus Location – Harrisonburg, Lancaster, Washington, D.C.

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How should my project connect to the theme: Power and Equity?

Projects are encouraged to engage the University Theme: Power and Equity.

This may include exploring:

• How power operates in systems, communities, or everyday experiences
• Identity, privilege, marginalization, and belonging
• Dialogue and learning across differences
• How power can be used responsibly to promote justice and equity

Projects do not need prior experience with this topic, but should demonstrate a thoughtful connection to learning, reflection, or engagement.

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When do I need to complete my project?

The Inclusive Excellence Grant follows one application cycle per academic year, with proposals accepted in the fall semester.

All funded projects should be completed by the end of March to allow time for presentations at the ACE Festival in April.

A final report is due two weeks after the ACE Festival and must be submitted to the DEI Office.

If your project cannot be completed on time, you may request an extension with prior approval by emailing dei@emu.edu.

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How will I share my project at the ACE Festival?

All grant recipients are required to share the outcomes of their project with the 91���� community.

Most projects will present at the ACE Festival in the spring semester through a poster presentation, which includes a summary of the project, outcomes, and key takeaways.

If your project is led only by faculty and/or staff, you will instead present at a Tuesday lunch session in April.

You do not need to have your presentation fully planned at the time of application. Additional guidance and expectations will be shared after your project is approved.

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Can I apply for more than one grant project?

Yes. Individuals or groups may submit multiple proposals as long as each project is distinct and aligns with the goals of the Inclusive Excellence Grant program.

Each application will be evaluated separately, and funding is not guaranteed for all submissions.